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Created in 1972, Nike is a well-known company that provides high-quality athletic wear -- such as socks -- to consumers. Nike socks are available in a variety of colors and uses for any sport or fitness level. Over time, your white Nike socks will become dirty and will require a thorough cleaning. Fortunately, you can use bleach to brighten your white Nike socks and remove stains.

Bleach

Chlorine bleach is a commonly used laundry booster that will help get your dirty socks white. Unfortunately, if your Nike socks feature a color other than white on the toes and heels, chlorine bleach will discolor, fade or bleach the colored areas of the white socks. You can prevent possible discoloration by using color-safe bleach or oxygen bleach. You'll find a variety of bleaches in the laundry aisle at department and grocery stores.

Washing

Set your washing machine to the normal washing cycle. As the washer drum begins to fill up with water, add 1/4 cup of laundry detergent into the drum. Alternately, add the detergent to the detergent receptacle. Carefully pour 1/2 cup of liquid bleach in the bleach receptacle. Use 1/2 cup of bleach for small to medium loads and 1 cup of bleach for large loads. If using powdered oxygen bleach, add it directly to the water. Submerge the Nike socks in the water, close the lid and let the washing machine finish the cycle.

Drying

Once the washing machine has done its job, remove the damp socks immediately from the washer, and tumble dry on low heat. Using too high of heat will cause the socks to stretch and lose their shape. Add a dryer sheet to give your socks a fresh scent and prevent static buildup. Furthermore, clean out the lint trap before drying your socks -- or any clothing -- to prevent excess lint from collecting on the socks during the drying process.

Stains

Your white Nike socks can quickly stain, which makes them appear dull and dingy. Before laundering your socks, apply a prewash stain treatment and let it sit for 15 minutes. For heavily soiled socks, fill a tub with the hottest water temperature allowed for the specific sock fabric, and add 1/4 cup of laundry detergent. Add 1 cup of oxygen bleach, and mix together with a long-handled spoon. Submerge the soiled socks, and let them soak for 30 minutes before laundering as you normally would.

Considerations

Always read the washing instructions before laundering your Nike white socks. Furthermore, only wash the white socks with like colors to prevent color bleeding and lint balls. To keep from losing socks, launder and dry them in a mesh lingerie bag. Do not place stained socks in the dryer; the heat will set the stains into the socks, making them nearly impossible to remove.

Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College.